Why compostable dog waste bags matter — and how to spot greenwashing
Not all bags marketed as eco-friendly are what they claim. We explain what EN 13432 certification actually means and how councils can procure with confidence.
Why compostable dog waste bags matter
Dog waste bags are one of those everyday items that rarely get a second thought — until they end up blowing from bins into hedgerows, or the council gets a complaint about plastic bags littering the riverbank.
What EN 13432 actually means
EN 13432 is the European standard for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation. A bag certified to this standard must:
- Disintegrate by at least 90% within 12 weeks under industrial composting conditions
- Leave no harmful residues that affect plant growth or soil quality
- Be free of heavy metals above defined limits
This is distinct from "biodegradable" — a term with no legal definition in the UK or EU, which can be applied to any plastic that eventually breaks down (including in hundreds of years).
How to spot greenwashing
Look for:
- The certified compostable logo (seedling logo from European Bioplastics) or the ASTM D6400 mark for US-certified products
- A certification number — you should be able to verify this on the certifying body's website
- Clarity about composting route — industrial only, or home compostable?
All Dog Bag Stations refill bags carry EN 13432 certification and we publish the full certificate in our customer portal.
What this means for councils
When specifying dog waste infrastructure, including the bag type in your procurement specification protects residents and the environment. Our procurement pack includes a model specification clause you can copy directly into your tender documents.